Overview
“Can I stay?” is not one question. For students it usually splits into three:
- Can I remain physically in Canada?
- Can I keep studying?
- Which application path am I on—extension or restoration?
IRCC’s answers depend on whether a complete application was received before your study permit expired.
Common situations
Extension filed before expiry
You may have maintained status. You can usually stay and keep studying under original conditions while IRCC decides. See Maintained Status for Students.
Permit expired; no application yet
You likely lost student status. You may still be able to restore within 90 days, but studying must stop until restoration is approved and a new study permit is issued.
Applied for a work permit / PGWP instead of extending studies
Do not assume study-permit extension rules apply. Read Help Centre answers 475 and 492 carefully for your application type.
Out of status and past 90 days
Restoration as described on the student pages may no longer be available. Seek case-specific advice promptly.
Decision tree (simplified)
| Filing vs expiry | Stay in Canada? | Study while waiting? |
|---|---|---|
| Extension received before expiry | Usually yes (maintained status) | Usually yes under original conditions |
| Expired before applying; within 90 days | May stay while restoration processes | No until restored |
| Past restoration window | Do not assume you can stay | Not as a student under restoration rules |
Always confirm on the live IRCC pages for your facts.
Your filing date decides the path. Tamara can review your dates and what IRCC expects next.
Fees snapshot (restoration path)
Help Centre answer 475 cites CAN$200 restoration + CAN$150 study permit. On-time extensions pay the study permit fee without the restoration fee. Re-check IRCC before paying.
What to do next
- Write down your permit expiry date and any IRCC submission date.
- If still before expiry and unfiled: prioritize an extension package now.
- If expired: stop studying and open the restoration checklist.
- Read Study Permit Expired for step-by-step detail.
- Avoid travel assumptions—see Travel While Permit Extension Is Processing.
Common mistakes
- Equating “I am still in Canada” with “I can still study”
- Ignoring the difference between study-permit and work-permit pending applications
- Missing the 90-day restoration window
- Relying on verbal advice from friends instead of IRCC dates and receipts
Related guides
- Study Permit Extension vs Restoration
- Restore Student Status
- Study Permit Extension in Canada
- Study Permit Expired
This guide summarizes official IRCC sources listed above. Requirements change. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.
Before you apply
- Compared permit expiry date to IRCC submission date
- Confirmed whether you are inside Canada
- Stopped studying if you lost status
- Checked restoration deadlines and fees if applicable
- Reviewed pending application type (study vs work/PGWP)
- Read official Help Centre answers 475 and 492
Frequently asked questions
- Can I stay if I applied to extend before expiry?
- Yes, Help Centre guidance says you may stay in Canada as a temporary resident while IRCC processes the application. Students extending a study permit can usually keep studying under original conditions.
- Can I stay if my permit already expired and I did not apply?
- You may be able to apply to restore within 90 days and remain while that application is processed, but you cannot study until restored. Leaving it too late can close the restoration window.
- Does staying mean I can keep going to class?
- Only if maintained-status rules for a study permit extension apply. After loss of status, staying without studying is the usual IRCC message until restoration is approved.
- What if I applied for a PGWP instead?
- Different rules apply. Help Centre answer 475 says you cannot keep studying while waiting for a work permit. Answer 492 covers some work-authorization nuances for certain PGWP applicants.
- Is this legal advice?
- No. This guide summarizes official IRCC guidance. Outcomes depend on your full facts and officer assessment.
- Where is the detailed expired-permit walkthrough?
- See our guide Study Permit Expired for fees, restoration steps, and common mistakes.
See also
References
- What to do if your permit expired
- Help Centre answer 475
- Help Centre answer 492
- Extend your study permit or restore your status
Note: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on your facts and IRCC’s assessment. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.